Former Barnsley and Hartlepool defender Neil Austin played for Shaw Lane Aquaforce yesterday
Former Barnsley and Hartlepool defender Neil Austin is set to join Shaw Lane Aquaforce on a short-term deal, Craig Elliott has confirmed.
Austin is a free agent after not renewing his contract with Ronnie Moore’s men – six years after originally joining them. He only missed eight minutes of their League Two campaign last season.
The 32-year-old has been unable to secure a full-time deal since so Evo Stik Division One South side Aquaforce have stepped in to help him until he gets back into the professional game.
Austin, who made 148 appearances for Barnsley between 2000 and 2007, lives down the road from the Shaw Lane sports complex and was born and brought up in the town.
He made his debut for Shaw Lane in the 1-0 win over Bradford (Park Avenue) yesterday.
Elliott told Non League Yorkshire: “I was speaking to Martin Devaney (another former Barnsley player who Shaw Lane are interested in) and found out he had left Hartlepool.
“Contract talks broke down this week with another team so we are looking to do some short term arrangement if we can.
“I’m under no-illusions that it will be a short-term arrangement.
“He’ll bring experience and it is not often that you get a player of that calibre come to you.”
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